As a professional, you are expected to deliver: Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan celebrates his birthday today. For the last 35 years, the superstar has been greeting his fans every Sunday as they congregate at his Juhu bungalow. It is not easy interviewing someone, who is called a living legend; that too, on email. A questionnaire has to be submitted and certain questions struck off before it’s sent to him. It’s a daunting task and his tongue-in-cheek answers often point to his quirky sense of humour...

Over to Big B on his birthday, fitness secrets and more:

How do you celebrate your birthdays every year?

I celebrate it quietly with the family.

What’s the one thing you really want for your birthday?

Peace, happiness and the love of my well-wishers.

Is it exhausting or overwhelming sometimes to meet and greet so many people who want to wish you on your birthday?

No, it never is... Though it does get difficult to meet all of them. And that is a pity because they all come with such hope and love.

Ever felt like going away to a quiet corner of the world and celebrating your birthday with your loved ones?

My home is quiet enough.

Can you share with us you any special childhood memory of your birthday?

Childhood memories of my birthday are no different from those of any other — greetings and blessings from the elders, fresh, new clothes at times, a small gathering of friends from school, eats and sweet meats, the odd gift, and that’s it! And no, there are no rituals that are followed.

Did you know that there is a temple in Kolkata, where you are worshipped as God? Have you ever visited the place?

I have heard about it, but never visited it, and never will. I vehemently disapprove of it!

You have said you want to learn to play a musical instrument. Will you be making time for it this year?

Yes.

How do you strike a work-life balance?

I am astrologically made capable of it. I am a Libran, the balance is my astrological sign!

You have been associated with various causes, is there any cause that you want to focus on?

I wish to, and will, focus on all the causes that I am associated with.

What things motivate you and spur you on to doing such good work?

Your assessment of my good work is welcomed with great humility, but I believe that I have the capacity to judge my own work, and it is nowhere near where your assessment lies! As a professional, you are expected to deliver, to the best of your ability, what you are employed or deployed for. I make an attempt to comply.

You are an inspiration to your co-stars with your discipline, drive and energy. Comment.

I can comment on something that I can believe I possess. I do not possess any of these attributes you mention. On the contrary, I aspire to learn of the qualities you mention, from my co-stars!

You are extremely fit. What is the raaz behind your fitness?

The genes I acquired from my parents.

Did you expect Pink to be such a big hit? According to you, what was the best part of the film?

No, I did not. Though there was great optimism among the makers, and Shoojit, in particular. The essence of the film was the content and its strength. It has become a movement, and is no longer a film, if I may be permitted to say so, with all modesty.

What are your thoughts on the Uri attacks?

With folded hands, I beg you to stop asking such questions! It is not the time to seek answers about who said what to whom and where and why. The country is incensed and angry with the recent incidents that have taken place on our borders. It is time to exhibit solidarity, with our jawans and our armed forces, who are fighting for the nation and sacrificing their lives!

The bow-accented Ferragamo loafers you recently wore drew mixed reactions on social media. Some felt you pulled them off, others thought they looked rather off. Wasn’t it a quirky pick for someone like you who is known more as a conservative dresser?

They are not Ferragamo in the first place and even if they were, ask the maker the reason for making them. I wear what I feel will please me. I do not wear apparel to make a statement.

What’s your take on the evolution of Shweta’s writing?

She was always a good, intelligent writer and thinker. DNA gave her an opportunity and she delivered. You gave her a public platform and she complied with grace and effect.

When is KBC 7 starting and will it be different this year?

I have no idea about when KBC shall start, and neither do I have any knowledge of whether there will be a changed format.

Do you watch a lot of television? What are some of your favourite shows?

Yes, I do watch a lot of television and it is mostly restricted to sports and news channels.